Mcebisi Jonas doesn't believe relationship between Washington and Pretoria is beyond reproach
Former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas will be the first diplomat deployed to the US after South African Ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was unceremoniously expelled last month.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the US. Picture: X/@GovernmentZA
JOHANNESBURG - The newly appointed special envoy to the United States (US), Mcebisi Jonas, says he doesn’t believe the relationship between Washington and Pretoria is beyond reproach.
The comments come as Jonas prepares for the tough task of trying to mend fragile ties with the US, which have broken down since the return of President Donald Trump to office earlier this year.
On the agenda are diplomatic and trade issues.
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The former Deputy Finance Minister Jonas will be the first diplomat deployed to the US after South African Ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was unceremoniously expelled last month.
While Jonas admits he’s up against a brick wall, he says the task at hand is not impossible.
“I’m not underplaying the challenge, the situation is complex, and I don’t think there are quick wins there. I think it’s a long slog where we can rebuild understanding and find each other on a number of areas, but I think there is basis for doing that.”
He says the first step is reconciling expectations on both sides.
“I think our focus at the moment is to gather what are the key issues emerging out of that, and get a sense of what the thinking is from The Presidency, ministers as well, and business across the board.”
It’s understood Jonas’ appointment doesn’t get in the way of the search for an ambassador to replace Rasool.